Search For School Funds Worthy Of Public Support

October 18, 1985

PALM BEACH County School Board members have heard parents scream loudly about school overcrowding, long-distance busing and early school starting times.

Now, it seems parents and other county taxpayers are about to receive a strong message from the School Board: The public school system needs a massive influx of revenue or else the minor gains recently made against overcrowding will be reversed. Double sessions could once again degrade the quality of education for many high school students.

Although still unsure of the details, Superintendent Tom Mills is preparing a recommendation on how to close a $300 million gap between revenue and construction needs.

A 20-year bond issue to be financed through increased roperty tax appears to be the favored approach for Mills and several board members. Other board members, however, believe that short-term financing would be a fairer approach, since current residents are straining the capacity of the school system.

It is not an easy task to properly package and ``sell`` a tax increase to the voters, and Mills wisely is proceeding at a measured pace.

The superintendent says he will poll voter reaction to various proposals before making a recommendation to the School Board early in 1986. School officials also will ask business and government leaders for their support later this month when they meet at a county growth management conference.

That support should be offered without hesitation, because the needs are very real. School officials estimate that they will receive $300 million over the next five years, enough to build 12 new schools. But with approximately 3,500 students entering the county each year, 14 more new schools will be needed.

The future of Palm Beach County is very clear. The population will continue to increase at a fast pace, more students will enter the schools and more classrooms and teachers will be needed if the quality of public education is to improve.

It will not be difficult to communicate the school system`s pressing needs, but it will be hard to make many voters understand that growth does not pay for itself. Nevertheless, the School Board should not shy away from the job of educating the public. Securing the educational future of the county will require strong statements and bold action.